I posted this on SOS after inquiring about them and only one person seemed to know anything about these rods.
I finally received these rods Via USPS (Overseas shipping takes a LONG time...)
Fin Nor Tycoon (FBGT80RS) 80lb (IGFA), 7ft, all rollers (Aftco), Stuart aluminum butt, all glass construction. MSRP: $600 each.
I opted for an IGFA trolling (not stand up) rod due to the slower action and tendency to be stiffer and more powerful than your average 80lb rod. IMO the IGFA 80 series rods should be rated 80-130 or 80-150lb, especially if were going to rate them on fighting angles based on 1/3 the drag pressure of the line used.
my first impressions? PERFECT! exactly what I was looking for. I'm actually really glad I got two.
I mounted up my Makaira 80WII, set the strike to 41lbs and then threw on the harness for pictures sake. you shouldn't need a harness with 40lbs of drag and a rod that acts like these do, but due to space available and angles I thought it would make for better pictures.
so here it is. 41lbs and the drag barely slipping. the tip points down range (where the fish should be) and I barely have to lean back. much more comfortable than using my 5'6" stand up rod rated at 130lb. you can see the line in the pics, Jeff and I both agree the stripper guide could be a little closer to the reel but after applying more pressure the line didn't touch the blank and the tip flexed. I will try to get pics of it bent with 70lbs of drag.
they have a quick recovery for being all glass, which I like for when the fish is close and wants to do head shakes and the EVA grips are the perfect size to comfortably hang onto and pump the rod. None of that oversized, leather wrapped stuff that fatigues your fore arms and gets slippery when wet.
for $600 I Definitely would NOT recommend this rod. For that money you can have a rod built to the same specs, with the same components and have some sweet custom wraps or marbling done to make it your own from our trusted rod Builders Like Berserker rods and Barrett rods.
In the end I was able to purchase both rods, have them shipped AND build two new leaders for EACH rod (4 total) and still have a couple dollars to go before reaching the $600 mark. With that said, if you run across these rods for anything less than $400, I would not pass it up, especially With Fin Nors solid reputation and Life time warranty on these rods. All I had to do was grease the rollers and its ready to fish!
P.S. please excuse the clutter and boxes, were still trying to fit our last house into the apartment.
All rollers and Stuart parts, they look like fine rods .Fin Nor was the top reel and roller guide maker 20 years before any other tackle manufacturer even came close to matching there quality.
SOUTH FLORIDA SHARK CLUB -President SFSC-Founding Member est 1983 SFSC-Website Administrator BIG HAMMER SHARK TOURNAMENT -Founder Rene Memorial Sharkathon -Founder NMFS Shark Tagger
Will, they are great rods, and Fin Nor has awesome products and I've yet to find anything negative about their customer service. I just feel the price is a little steep. IMO they can easily be sold for $150 less and if they dropped $200 off the price tag they would be a few dollars under the competition. I just wouldn't recommend a $600 off the shelf rod when you can build one for half the price or have one built with custom wraps, colors and your name on it. Although, depending on your history with gear, the life time warranty might be worth the extra price.